Quebec Premier Francois Legault has urged the dismantling of the pro-Palestinian encampment at Montreal’s McGill University amidst a wave of similar protests sweeping across major Canadian universities.
These demonstrations come as tensions escalate amidst the conflict in Gaza, with police in the United States arresting hundreds of protesters and the death toll in Gaza continuing to rise.
While McGill University had requested police intervention, law enforcement had not taken action as of Thursday evening, opting instead to monitor the situation.
Similar protests have emerged at universities, including the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Ottawa.
The encampment at the University of Toronto, for instance, saw the setup of tents by students demanding divestment from groups with ties to Israel.
Their demands include transparency in university investments, divestment from entities supporting Israeli apartheid, and an end to partnerships with Israeli academic institutions.
Despite McGill’s request for police intervention, law enforcement remained passive, monitoring the encampment’s development.
Similar protests surfaced at the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Ottawa.
Pro-Israel counter-protests in Montreal remained separate from the pro-Palestinian gatherings. At the University of Toronto, students erected tents, vowing to continue until their demands for divestment are met.
Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized campus safety but acknowledged the right to expression. Jewish groups raised concerns about antisemitism, while organizers defended inclusivity.
These protests reflect the broader tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict and the differing perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within Canadian society.
As demonstrations continue, they underscore the complex and deeply rooted issues surrounding the conflict and its impact on communities both locally and globally.
